Washington Nationals and Tyler Clippard Avoid Arbitration
By Matthew Laux
When things are clicking for an organization they’re truly going well and after a tumultuous 2013 season the Washington Nationals appear to be back on track. In recent weeks, the Nationals have avoided arbitration with several of their big name players.
Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
On January 21,2014 the Washington Nationals had one of those perfect days. In a matter of hours, The Nats signed Ian Desmond, Jordan Zimmerman, Stephan Strasburg, Wilson Ramos, Jerry Blevins, and Drew Storen all to deals avoiding the arbitration process. The deadline to sign a deal was at 2:35 that day and Washington narrowly eluded the time.
After yesterday, you can add Tyler Clippard to the list of signees as the reliever inked a fresh 1-year, $5.875 contract. Over the years, Clippard has been a stalwart in the Washington bullpen and has proven his tremendous value to the team. Initially, Clippard asked for $6.35 million, but the two sides settled at $5.875 million.
Clippard posted an excellent 2013 finishing with a 2.41 ERA and 73 strikeouts. Clippard’s deal marks the last arbitration signing, and above all else, Washington has now avoided arbitration with all 10 eligible players. The team’s pay roll will reside at $126.95 million, a substantial amount more than 2013.